Few birds reach the heights of the majestic crane (on the ground, that is). With their long legs, elongated necks, and streamlined bodies, cranes are often considered the world's tallest flying birds. Fifteen species of the majestic crane roam the planet, including the whooping crane ( Grus americana ), the tallest bird in North America. The whooping crane is also one of the rarest birds in North America. Once widespread throughout the continent, the whooping crane population has diminished.

The whooping crane is now primarily found only in the 115,324-acre Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, located on the southwest side of San Antonio Bay along the Gulf Coast of Texas.

Just as the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is the best place to spot one of America's rarest birds , and

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